If champagne is invited for the aperitif, it is also a must for special occasions. It is customary to open a few bottles during a wedding. Do you organize yours? You probably want this day to be perfect! So it’s a matter of choosing the right champagne while considering the budget…
What champagne for a wedding? This is the question we will answer right away!

When can I serve champagne?

In many weddings, champagne is now offered to guests from the wine of honour. Of course, this is not an obligation. You can also reserve this sparkling drink for dessert or cake. On the contrary, there is no prohibition to serve it during the cocktail of honor, during the meal and for dessert.
The time of service then determines the choice of champagne for a wedding.

What champagne for the wine of honor?

From the wine of honor, it is therefore possible to serve champagne for an exceptional wedding. Its effervescence will certainly create a festive atmosphere. In this case, we advise you to opt for a fresh and easy to drink champagne. The ideal is then to offer your guests a Blanc de blancs brut. Produced only with chardonnay, such a champagne will combine finesse and lightness, which will delight your guests or a Blanc de Noirs, composed only of pinot meunier or pinot noir such as our champagne Reserve brut and Tradition brut.

Of course, it is possible to find such a champagne among our range. With a dosage of 5.5 grams per liter, our Blanc de blancs will seduce all your guests. Namely, it has a floral nose, subtle, elegant and fruity. And in the mouth, it offers delicate aromas and a perfect harmony.

What champagne for dinner?

During the meal, you can offer wine but also champagne for a festive wedding. Please be assured that your guests will particularly appreciate this attention. However, to make no false note, you must give champagne to the proposed dishes.

For example, you can serve a champagne brut at the time of the starter. In this case, we recommend our Réserve brut champagne, which is 5.4 grams per litre. It goes perfectly with cold fish such as salmon or halibut but also with crustaceans. It can also be enjoyed with cold charcuterie.

Then, if you are planning a dish made with white meat, we recommend our cuvée Prestige brut. This option is also perfect with a plate of Scandinavian fish.
On the other hand, if you intend to continue the meal with guinea fowl or light game, we recommend instead our champagne Prestige rosé brut.
Of course, these are just a few examples. In general, remember that depending on the dishes presented, it is a matter of choosing the right champagne for a successful wedding.

Which bottles for dessert or wedding cake?

As for the meal, the choice of champagne depends on the type of dessert. For example, with desserts composed of red fruits, you can serve a brut rosé champagne, like our cuvée Prestige rosé brut. In parallel, prefer powerful champagnes with desserts based on cream. More precisely, we are referring here to a Blanc de noirs or a Millésime. And to accompany the wedding cake, a wise choice would be a Blanc de Blancs. Namely, you can here quite again serve the same champagne as the one offered to the wine of honor. Rest assured that your guests will be delighted to find a familiar flavor.
For the wine of honor, the meal or the dessert, it is in any case suitable to opt for the good champagne.

Champagne for a wedding: what quantities should we plan?

Beyond the question of the type of champagne for a wedding, you are certainly wondering what quantities you should plan. Of course, the number of bottles depends on the number of guests. Likewise, the quantities will vary depending on when the champagne is served.
Namely, during the wine of honor, we suggest you to provide about three flutes per guest. A bottle of champagne is equivalent to 6 to 8 flutes, depending on the size of the flute. On this basis, plan 90 bottles for a wedding of 200 guests (adults).
At dinner, you want to serve champagne for an exceptional wedding? In this case, it will take 1 bottle for 5 guests and this for each of the dishes.

Finally, if you intend to offer champagne for dessert after serving wine at the table, count 2 flutes per guest. In this case, most will take a flute to accompany the dessert and then to start the evening.
And for the rest of the evening, you can set aside a few bottles while offering other drinks.

Custom labels

Do you want to enjoy your wedding? In this case, one idea is to customize the labels of champagne bottles for a romantic wedding. For example, you can simply enter your two first names with the date of the big day. In addition to that, you can also add one or more photos of the two of you. In reality, you can imagine almost everything. With or without photos, in color, black and white, it’s up to you!
If you want a personalized label, do not hesitate to tell us about it.

Why choose a harvesting champagne handling?

You’re wondering what to choose as a champagne brand for a wedding? In this case, rather than opting for big houses, many married couples prefer a small producer champagne , a Récoltant Manipulant champagne or an independent champagnegrower (“vigneron indépendant”) champagne.

Such a choice usually makes it possible to offer novelty to your guests. In this case, a majority of your guests may not know J.Charpentier champagne and you will offer them a nice taste experience. Moreover, note that our champagnes have won many competitions and received many medals. For example, we won the Gold Medal for Prestige rosé at the 2020 Concours Général Agricole in Paris.
You want to test our champagne for a wedding ? Contact us !

FAQ about Champagne for a Wedding

Why is Champagne essential for a wedding celebration?

Champagne has long symbolised elegance, success and joy. Serving Champagne for a wedding marks the union’s celebratory spirit and sets a refined, festive tone. The bubbles create an instant sense of occasion, whether for the toast, the meal or the evening’s festivities. Beyond tradition, Champagne reflects generosity and sophistication — the perfect expression of love and happiness shared with guests.

When is the best moment to serve Champagne for a wedding?

There is no fixed rule, but Champagne fits beautifully at several key moments:

• Wine of honour or aperitif: to welcome guests in a festive mood.
• During the meal: to accompany delicate dishes such as seafood, poultry or white meats.
• Dessert or wedding cake: to close the meal with sparkle and sweetness.
  Some couples also keep a few bottles for the evening dance or final toast. The choice depends on your menu, timing and style of celebration.

What type of Champagne should I choose for the aperitif or wine of honour?

At this stage, freshness and lightness are key. The best Champagne for a wedding aperitif is usually a Brut or Blanc de Blancs, made solely from Chardonnay grapes. Its finesse and floral character gently stimulate the palate without overpowering canapés or appetisers. A Blanc de Noirs, crafted from Pinot Noir or Meunier, can offer a rounder alternative. For summer weddings, consider an Extra Brut for a crisp, lively start.

Which Champagne pairs best with the wedding meal?

During the meal, Champagne should enhance your dishes rather than dominate them. Here are a few suggestions:

• Starters: a Brut or Premier Cru Champagne complements fish, shellfish or charcuterie.
• White meats or poultry: a balanced Prestige Brut or a light vintage Champagne suits perfectly.
• Game or spiced dishes: a Rosé Champagne adds both fruit and depth.
  The goal is harmony — selecting the Champagne that complements flavours and textures of the menu.

What about Champagne for the wedding cake and dessert?

For desserts featuring red fruits, a Rosé Brut adds a beautiful touch of colour and aromatic freshness. With creamy or vanilla‑based desserts, opt for a Vintage (Millésime) or Blanc de Noirs, which bring structure and richness. If you wish to serve the same Champagne at the end as at the beginning, a Blanc de Blancs works wonderfully again, offering continuity and elegance.

How many bottles of Champagne should I plan for a wedding?

Quantities depend on the number of guests and when you serve Champagne. As a general guide:

• Wine of honour: allow 1 bottle for 6–7 guests (approx. 3 flutes per person).
• During the meal: 1 bottle per 5 guests per course if Champagne accompanies dishes.
• Dessert or cake: 1 bottle for 8–10 guests (around 2 flutes per person).
  For a wedding of 200 guests, expect about 90 bottles if Champagne is served throughout the event. It’s always wise to have a few extra bottles in reserve for toasts or late‑night celebrations.

Can I personalise Champagne bottles for my wedding?

Absolutely. Many producers, including small independent houses, offer custom label designs. You can add your names, wedding date and even photographs or monograms. These personalised bottles make wonderful keepsakes and can be offered as gifts to close family or witnesses. A tailored label also adds a unique, romantic touch to your wedding tables.

Is it better to choose a famous Champagne brand or a small producer?

While major brands offer recognition, many couples now prefer to serve Champagne from a Récoltant Manipulant (grower‑producer) or independent Champagnegrower. Such Champagnes often provide more originality, authenticity and excellent value. Your guests are more likely to discover a new taste rather than a label they already know. J. Charpentier, for example, embodies the craftsmanship and passion of a family house with award‑winning cuvées.

How should Champagne for a wedding be served?

Proper service enhances the experience. Chill bottles to between 8 °C and 10 °C, avoiding temperatures below 5 °C which mute aromas. Open gently — no dramatic popping — to preserve the bubbles. Serve in flutes or tulip glasses to showcase effervescence and aroma. Pour slowly at an angle and fill glasses two‑thirds full. Replace bottles in an ice bucket or fridge to maintain temperature during service.

Should the same Champagne be served for all moments of the wedding?

You can, but varying styles enhances the experience. For instance:

• Aperitif: Extra Brut or Blanc de Blancs.
• Meal: Brut or Vintage.
• Dessert: Rosé or Demi‑Sec.
  Choosing one house for all cuvées, like J. Charpentier, keeps coherence in style and ensures quality consistency while adapting to each course.

Can Champagne for a wedding also be offered as a gift?

Yes, and it’s a beautiful idea. Mini‑bottles or half‑bottles with custom labels make elegant guest favours. A magnum or jeroboam of the couple’s chosen cuvée can serve as the centrepiece for the toast and later be kept as a memento. You might also offer close relatives a collector’s bottle signed by the bride and groom.

What budget should I plan for Champagne at my wedding?

The budget varies depending on the number of guests, the producer and the cuvées selected. As a reference, expect to allocate between €10 – €25 per guest if Champagne is served at several key moments. Independent producers like J. Charpentier often provide excellent quality at a reasonable price, allowing you to impress guests without compromising on excellence.

How far in advance should I order Champagne for a wedding?

Ideally, order your Champagne 3–4 months before the big day. This allows time for custom labels, delivery arrangements and correct storage at around 10–12 °C. Early orders also ensure availability, especially for specific cuvées or larger quantities.

In summary – how to choose the perfect Champagne for a wedding?

Choose lightness for the aperitif, structure for the meal and finesse for dessert. Balance your selection with your menu, number of guests and budget. Above all, prioritise authenticity and emotion — Champagne should tell a story, just like your wedding day. Whether you choose a Blanc de Blancs, a Rosé or a Prestige Brut, serving Champagne for a wedding means sharing joy, elegance and love in every glass.